Flood alert for River Great Ouse

The Environment Agency (EA) raised the alert after heavy rainfall on New Year’s Day which is now travelling down the Ouse.

A spokesman said: “On New Year’s Day up to 16mm of rain was recorded in the Upper Ouse catchment. As the catchment is now saturated we have seen river levels react to this, and the peak is now travelling down the Ouse, currently around Newport Pagnell.

“Levels are beginning to rise at Tempsford, and will continue as the peak passes through over the next few days as it travels downstream to Earith.

“We expect low lying land and roads to be affected first. Further showers are expected for the next few days.”

In south west England, the EA has issued severe flood warnings - where there is a threat to life - as a tidal surge is set to hit parts of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, as well as heavy rainfall and high winds forecasted.

The Government is due to hold a meeting of the emergency Cobra committee in response to the “exceptional weather”.